Timeline of equipment

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
This seems like the right spot for this, but if there is another let me know.

This is a timeline I've put together over a number of years from a variety of sources (this site being one). I thought some might appreciate it, and also hoping to grow it further. I think I've got most of the big ones, hoping maybe some with interests in the "others" might furnish the dates for their particular favorites. I started this list as a model builder, nothing is more jarring to me then seeing a nice Model T pumper with a Twinsonic. :eek:


Where I have found a general date, but not specific year of introduction I've provided the date as far as known, with an X for the unknown. So if I know a siren was introduced in the 1940s, but don't know the exact year, I have it listed as 194x.

I've listed them by name as well as possible, but may not always have the complete nomenclature. A good example being the roof mounted 4 way flashing beacon J.A. McDermott offered a few years before Federal brought out their Model 17 revolving beacon ray. I don't know of a designation for the 4 way flasher other than J.A. McDermott Beacon.

There is equipment which is not addressed, traffic advisors, Opticoms, traffic / intersection lights (other than the Mars lights) and speakers for electronic sirens being obvious omissions. Also major changes to existing lights, like the all light versions of existing lightbars that most manufacturers began to offer around 1990. Happy to add these things just never got there.

In some cases manufacturers re-badge another light. Where this is the case I can add a note to that effect (I don't think S&W actually built any lights, but I have some on the list).

I can update the list in the first post as new information is provided.

Thanks and hope this is a worthwhile addition.

Also a big thanks to those who have provided historical information in their posts and those who have uploaded catalogs, ads etc, that has been a great help to me when putting this together.



Warning lights and beacons

Buck Eye Iron & Brass Works Roto-Ray – 1928
Whiting Warning Light – 1928
Akron Brass Akr-O-Lite – 1934
Mars FL – 1936
Carpenter Master Light – 1937
Sterling Oscilite - 1937
Buckeye Iron & Brass Works Moto-Ray - 1938
Mars FL8 – 194x
Federal Model 17 Beacon Ray – 1948
Trio “Platter” light – 1948
Federal Propello Ray – 1949
Federal Model 173 Beacon Ray – 1955
Griffin Model 360 "beehive" – 1950
J.A. McDermott Circle-Beam – 1950
Mars DX – 195x
Mars DX-40 – 195x
S&M 757 “can” light – 1951
S&M 747 “can” light – 1951
SirenO Saf-T-Ray No. 19 – 1951
SirenO Saf-T-Ray No. 37N – 1951
Federal BR2 Scatter Ray "beehive" – 1952
SirenO No. 192 Revolvo Ray – 1954
Trio T2 “can” light – 1954
Whelen Rota-Beam – 1955
Whelen Rota-Beam RB-11 (motorcycle light) - 1956
Federal Model FB-1/2 Fireball – 1956
SirenO No. 194 Revolvo Ray - Atomic Rocket series – 1957
Federal Model 15 Junior Beacon Ray – 1958
Federal Model 171 Beacon Ray (Improved Model 17) – 1958
Federal Model 174 Beacon Ray – 1958
SirenO Model 199 Sky-Lighter – 1958
Dietz Model 211 – 1959
Federal Model FB-F Flashball – 1960
Federal Sola-Ray – 1960
Whelen Rota-Beam Senior – 1960
Sireno MC-2 "can" light - 196x
Federal Model 175 Strat-o-ray “hill light” – 1961
Federal Model 176 Strat-o-ray “hill light” – 1961
Dietz Model 261 Junior – 1962
Federal Model 121 Vita-Lite – 1962
Dietz Model 211WW “Wig wag” - 1963
Dietz Model 235 PA light – 1963
Dietz Model 235 PA light “wig wag” – 1963
Federal Model 14 – 1963
Federal Model 184 Power Light - 1963
Federal CJ184 PA Light – 1963
Dietz Model 230 (rebadged Federal Model 14) – 1964
Dietz Model 245 (rebadged Federal Model 121) – 1964
Unity RV-15 – 1965
Unity RV-25 – 1965
Dietz Model 240 – 1966
Dietz Model 245 – 1966
Dietz Model 255 (rebadged Unity RV-15) – 1966
Whelen Rota-Beam Corporal – 1966
Federal Model 044 – 1967
Federal Model 143 – 1967
Federal Model 144 – 1967
Federal Model 312 Titan – 1968
Sireno Revolvo Ray Speaker Light – 1968
Mars 888 – 1969
Dietz Model 7-40 (renumbering of Model 240) – 1970
Dietz Model 7-61 (renumbering of Model 261) – 1970
Dietz Model 7-110 – 1970
Dietz Model 7-116 “hill light” – 1970
Mars Skybolt – 1971
Dietz Model 7-430 strobe – 1973
Whelen Model 5000 Commander Strobe – 1974
Whelen Model 5000 PA – 1974
Whelen Model 88 – 197x
Whelen Model 88 PA – 197x
Whelen Model 883 - 197x
Whelen Model 883 PA - 197x
Whelen Model 884 - 197x
Whelen Model 884 PA - 197x
Federal Model FB-11/12 Fireball 2 – 1976
Sireno 44660 – 1976
Federal Model FB(H)-11/12 Super Fireball – 1978
S&W 236 beacon (2 bulb) - 1978
S&W 436 beacon (4 bulb) - 1978
Dietz Model 7-11 – 1980
Federal Model FB-2 Fireball II – 1982
Federal Model 16 Visilite – 1982



Light Bars

Federal Model 11 Twin Beacon Ray / Visibar – 1963
Mars Aurora Borealis – 1964
J.A. McDermott Multi-level lights "High Rise" – 1966
Federal Model 12 Twin Sonic – 1967
Unity Unirack – 196x
Whelen Cross Bar – 196x
Federal Model 12X Twin Sonic – 1972
Federal Model 12 CTS Twin Sonic – 1973
Dietz Model 911 – 1973
Code 3 2200 – 1974
Dietz Omni-Chief – 1974
Federal Model 12S Twin Sonic – 1974
Federal Model 12E Twin Sonic – 1974
Federal Model 12F Twin Sonic – 1975
Code 3 SD – 1976
Whelen Model 6000 – 1976
Federal Model 12M Twin Sonic – 1977
Federal Model 24 Aerodynic – 1977
Whelen Responder – 1977
S&W 8700 light bar – 1978
Whelen Model 8000 – 1978
Code 3 XL-9000 – 1979
Federal Model 24 AeroTwinsonic – 1979
Code 3 SD-4100 – 1982
Code 3 SD-4200 – 1982
Code 3 XL-5000 – 1982
Code 3 XL-5000 – 1982
Federal Model 22 Mini Aerodynic – 1982
Federal Model JS-1 Jetsonic – 1983
Code 3 LP 6000 – 1983
Whelen Model 9000 – 1983
Federal Model 25 Aerodynic All Light – 1984
Federal Streethawk – 1986
Federal Model JET Jetsonic – 1987
Code 3 MX 7000 – 1988
Federal Jetstream – 1989
Federal Model AD-4800 / 5200 Aerodynic – 1990
Federal Model ADL Aerodynic – 1992
Federal Jetstrobe – 1992
Federal Vector – 1992
Federal Firehawk – 1993
Federal Streethawk All Light – 1993
Federal Vision – 199x
Code 3 Excalibur – 1996
Federal Vista – 1996
Federal Fire / Streethawk 80” – 1997
Whelen LED – 2000
Code 3 2100 – 2001
Code 3 Javelin – 2003
Code 3 Wingman – 2005
Federal Model ADX Solaris LED – 2005
Federal Model 22 ADX Solaris LED – 2005
Federal Jetsolaris LED – 2005
Code 3 XF 2300 – 2006
Code 3 RX 2700 – 2007
Federal Jetstream LED – 2007
Code 3 Defender - 2009
Code 3 Solex - 2013
Code 3 Pursuit – 2016



Electro-mechanical sirens

SirenO – 1907
SirenO Junior – 1909
SirenO Midget – 1910
SirenO Cyclephone – 1910 (for motorcycles)
SirenO No. 3 – 1911
SirenO No. 5 – 1911
SirenO No. 7 – 1922
SirenO No. 11 – 1922
B&M Siro-Drift – 193x
B&M Big Chief – 193x
CAM Model 104 – 193x
Federal Model 17 – 193x
Federal Model 24 – 193x
Federal Model 28 – 193x
Federal Model 35 – 193x
Federal Model 45 – 193x
Federal Model 53 – 193x
Federal Model 66 – 193x
Federal Model 77 – 193x
Federal XL – 193x
Federal WL – 193x
Federal Z – 193x
SirenO M1 – 1936
SirenO ED – 1936
SirenO ED-1 – 1936
SirenO Type 51 – 1936
Sterling Model 20 – 193x
Sterling Model 30 – 193x
Federal Traffik-King - 1939
SirenO No. 94 - For Higgins PT Boat – 1942
Federal C5 – 1946
Sireno R1 – 1946
Sireno R2 – 1946
Sireno R3 – 1946
Sireno R4 – 1946
Sireno R5 – 1946
Sireno R5R – 1946
Sireno ED-2 – 1946
Federal C6 – 194x
B&M Super Chief – 194x
Federal Model 85 Doubletone – 1951
Federal Q – 1951
Sireno Ford-F1 – 1951
Atomic Rocket No. Rj-1-8 - 1957
Atomic Rocket No. Sj-8 - 1957
Atomic Rocket ED-12 - 1957
Federal Pulsator – 1963
SirenO RJ-1-8 – 1966 (est)



Electronic sirens

Federal PA-1 – 1958
Federal PA-2 – 1958
Federal PA-5 – 1960
Federal PA-10 – 1960
Federal PA-15 – 1963
Federal PA-20 – 1962
SirenO introduces electronic sirens – 1966
Federal PA-15A - 1967
Federal PA-20A - 1967
Federal PA-70 – 1973
Federal PA-100 – 1973
Federal PA-200 – 1974
General Electric SA Power Call / Siren - 1974
Federal PA-300 – 1983
Federal PA-1000 – 1974
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Ryan, thanks for catching that. I actually knew that, even have one in the basement but obviously I missed it while proof reading.


I'll see what I can do about getting it pinned.
 

Doyle257

Member
Jan 13, 2015
658
Cheektowaga, NY
I believe the Excalibur falls between the Vector and the Vista.
 

Wailer

Member
May 24, 2010
2,290
Canada
The Federal PA15 and PA20 (both with alert tone) were replaced by the PA15A (wail and yelp only) and PA20A (with hi-lo tone) in 1967.

The PA15A series 1E and PA20A series 2E (with high pitched tones) were introduced in the early 1970s. Someone told me they were introduced in 1970, but some earlier PA15As and PA20As with the lower pitched tones were installed in new emergency vehicles as late as 1972.
1E and 2E are the most common versions of the Director and Interceptor.
 

NESQ115

Member
Jan 21, 2012
118
New York
Very nice job. The Julian A. McDermott 4-way flashing light was called the Circle Beam. They advertised it as "Nothing Moves But the Light." I believe there were two versions (slight size difference), one of which was the Model 812.
 
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Doyle257

Member
Jan 13, 2015
658
Cheektowaga, NY
Code 3 Excalibur - 1996
Code 3 Defender - 2009
Code 3 Solex - 2013
Code 3 Pursuit - 2016
 
Last edited:

fyr1075k

Member
May 23, 2010
205
Hudson Valley New York
Sterling Oscilite 1937
Buckeye Moto-Ray (I believe the 30s, but not 100% sure)
Federal Traffik King (1940s)

I attempted to include a photo of an oscilite and traffik king from my collection, would not load (not sure why).
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Updated
I am having trouble with the multi-quote function so I hope this isn't too confusing. First of all thanks to all who have commented either in support or with info.

Wailer, can you help me out with the 1E, 2E? Is one the director and the other interceptor? Apply to both the 15A and 20A or does one go to each?and last how would they be identified PA-15A-1E?

tsquale, thanks for pinning.

dmathieu I've got a Federal Model 184 as 1975, 1964 makes a lot more sense, as the CJ-184 was available in 1965. Any idea if there may be a variant of 184 in 1975? I am usually pretty careful about attaching a date so most likely found something in 1975.

NESQ115, I've found reference here of a rotating circle beam. So it appears both the flashing and the rotating were circle beams just different model numbers. It also appears the flashing beacon was available in a smaller PAR36 and larger PAR46 style. This makes my 1952 date for the rotating light wrong, as it is just an ad for the standard 4 way flashing type beacon which is older than 1952.

fyr1075k I found a date of 1938 for the patent on the Moto-Ray (I didn't even know this existed prior to your post). There is a thread on this site on the Moto-Ray http://elightbars.org/forums/threads/buckeye-moto-ray-oscillating-light.47890/

I found an 1939 ad for the Traffik-King so it is at least that old.
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
So a little more nosing around on the McDermott it appears there is a Model 806 UP for "chiefs cars", a Model 806P for larger vehicles and a Model 812. Also available in 6 and 12 volt (perhaps the 806 and 812 refers to voltage?).

I found a reference to a trademark claim for Circlebeam by JA McDermott dated 1950. I always thought these slightly predated the Federal 17, but 1950 is the earliest reference I can find. The NY Fire patrol started using this light when they got a batch of 1949/50 Ford salvage trucks, and were still using them on a 1956 Dodge utility. It appears they didn't move to a rotating beacon until 1960-61.

McDermott also offered a can light, anyone have info on these? Date, model # etc.
 

kerry4951

Member
Mar 10, 2014
825
Central Pa
Aaron on your initial list, your date is off by a few years for the Whelen 5000 Commander strobe. The 5000PA strobes were used on the PA State police cars starting in 1974. I also have a restored Scottsdale PD car (1974) that used the 5000PA strobe. Although the car was placed into service around March 75. As far as I know the Commander series originated around 1974, possibly as early as 1973.
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
I've added entries for the Unity Unibar and Whelen Crossbar (currently posts for each in the vintage forum which tipped me off to their existance), assuming late 60s early 70s so that is where they sit for now.

Aaron on your initial list, your date is off by a few years for the Whelen 5000 Commander strobe. The 5000PA strobes were used on the PA State police cars starting in 1974. I also have a restored Scottsdale PD car (1974) that used the 5000PA strobe. Although the car was placed into service around March 75. As far as I know the Commander series originated around 1974, possibly as early as 1973.

I updated the 5000 to 1974, if you are able to find anything showing it was earlier than that let me know and I'll change it.
 
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Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
The Federal Traffik-King came out in two versions. The first in 1939, essentially a C-5 Coaster with an oscillating light. Then the "Traffik-King in 1946 was a C-6 with a Propello-Ray light.
 

Wailer

Member
May 24, 2010
2,290
Canada
Wailer, can you help me out with the 1E, 2E? Is one the director and the other interceptor? Apply to both the 15A and 20A or does one go to each?and last how would they be identified PA-15A-1E?

The PA15A is the Director and the PA20A is the Interceptor. The Director is the economy or 'no frills' model and the Interceptor is the deluxe model.

To find out which series you have, look at the first two digits of the serial number on the label on the bottom of the siren. The PA15A will have serial numbers beginning with 1B, 1C, 1D, or 1E and the PA20A will have serial numbers beginning with 2B, 2C, 2D, or 2E.

PA15A series 1B, 1C, 1D, and PA20A series 2B, 2C, 2D were made in the late 1960s and have deep slow rising wail and yelp tones.

The PA15A series 1E and PA20A series 2E were made in the 1970s and have fast rising high-pitched wail and yelp tones like the electronic sirens we hear nowadays.
 
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stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
Well... since I just dumped the Federal Beacon Ray code information onto the forum, I think I'll dump onto the forum my beacon and lightbar timeline. Now this information is far from complete and was gathered from numerous sources. So here it is, do with it what you will.


Emergency beacon and lightbar production



Dietz:

Dietz was bought by Signal-Stat in 1990.

First two digits of serial number indicate month of manufacture.

Last two digits of serial number indicate year of manufacture.

All four-bulb beacon bands stamped “Dietz 211” into 1980, actual model number on brass data plate.

* = approximate date

211 1959-1969

211 WW (Wig-Wag)hill light 1963-1969

7-110 1970-1979

7-116 hill light 1970-1979

7-11 standard 1980 - 1990 no brass data plates, band stamped 7-11

235 Siren light 1963-1970*

235 WW Siren light 1963-1970*

230 rebadged Federal 14 1964-1965

240 1966-1969 becomes the 7-40 in 1970

245 rebadged Federal 121 1964-1965

245 Dietz design, 255 dome 1966-1990

7-40 1970-1990

911 Bar 1973-1990

Omni-Chief 1974-1982*, 1981 introduced independent driven PAR-46 opt.

255 rebadged Unity RV-15 1966-1970*

261 Junior 1962-1969 becomes the 7-61 in 1970

7-61 Junior 1970-1990*

7-430 strobe 1973*-1990
__________________________________________________


Federal Electric Company, Inc. -1948

Federal Enterprises, Inc. 1948-1955

Federal Signal Sign & Signal Corp. 1956-12/21/1975

Federal Signal Corp. 12/22/1975-present

Federal Signal moved from Chicago to Blue Island in 1958, then moved to University Park late in 1978.

*= approximate date

Motors used in large beacons and lightbars:

Original Beacon Ray motor: 1948 – 1979*. Large, round motor.

Series 1 motor: 1963-1977. Flat sided motor, model 84422B111-5

Series 2 motor: 1973-1977. Round motor with two, small flat sides, made in China, model 8422B111-15.

Series 3 motor: 1976-2011. Round motor with two vent slots near the base, model 8422B111-25.



Beacon Ray and Twin Beacon Ray serial number indicates date of manufacture from 1968-76

17 Beacon Ray 1948-1985

171 Beacon Ray 1958-? Higher wattage bulbs in a model 17

173 Standard Beacon Ray 1950*-1982

174 Super 1958-1987

175 Strat-O-Ray 1961-1982

176 Strat-O-Ray 1961-1982

1967 is the last year for the small diameter domes (8-1/8” across lip) for the 17 and 173.

Large domes (8-3/8” across lip) used on some 17's and 173's beginning in 1964.


15 Junior Beacon Ray 1958-1982* 15E introduced in 1961

044 1967-1980*

143

144


14 series A2 1963-1976 Series 1 motors, Series 2 motors introduced late 1973. Larger “Federal Signal” badge in 1976.

14 series A2A 1976-1977 Series A2 with a Series 3 motor.

14 series A3 1977-1980 Some 1977 have Series 1 motors, skeletonized lamp holders start in 1978.

14 series A4 1980-1993 Series 3 motors and skeletonized lamp holders.

14 series D 1994-2013 Aluminum base, ABS lamp holders.

14 series SB 1984-2011 Synthetic base, ABS lamp holders.

Series SB and D use ABS plastic lamp holders



312 Series A1 Titan 1968-1977

312 Series A2 Titan 1978-1990* skeletonized lamp holders

372 Series A1 Commander 24, 32/36, 75 VDC insulated circuit version for industrial apps.



184 Power series A3 1964-1976

184 Power series A3A 1976-1980 Original Beacon Ray 176 type motors 1976-77. Series 1 and Series 2 motor 77-78, skeletonized lamp holders in 1978. Series 3 motors 1979-80

184 Power series A4 1980-1989 Series 3 motors, some 1980 had Series 1 motors


CJ184 serial A1 1965-1975* Chrome plated brass skirt, 58watt speaker

CJ184 series E1 1975-1976 Stainless steel skirt

CJ184 series E2 1975-1978*

CJ184 series E3 1978*-1980 Skeletonized lamp holders

CJ184 series E4 1980-sometime before 1989, not listed in 1989 catalog

CJ284 series A3 1975*-1980 Introduced the 100 watt speaker

CJ284 series A4 1980-1989 Skeletonized lamp holders

CJ184/284 (Q) 1980-1989 Quartz halogen H7660 lamp option



11 Twin Beacon Ray 1964-1976

11 series A1 1976-1977

11 series A1A 1977-1978 Series 3 motors

11 series A3 1978-1978* Series 3 motors, skeletonized lamp holders



12 Twinsonic 1967-1984

12X Twinsonic 1972-1984

12S size Twinsonic 1974-1984

12F versions Twinsonic 1975-1984

12M size Twinsonic 1977-1984

12E/EF versions Twinsonic 1974-1984 about 400 12E's produced.

CTS Series A1 1973-1978

CTS1 Series A3 1979-1983*

CTSS Series A1 1979-1980 same as CTS1S SeriesA3, used CTS Series A1 tags stamped w/”S” suffix on model designation.

CTS1S Series A3 1979-1983*

CTS1-5Z =CTS for non-California localities

12 Series A1-Z = 12X mirror drivers side, 12 mirror passenger side, ordered by Florida Highway Patrol.

12 Series A1-1Z = 12 with dual drive motors

TwinSonic series A1 1967-1978, cloth insulated wires 1967-69, vertical speaker housing louvers 1967-70.

TwinSonic 12X series A2 1979.

TwinSonic series A1A 1979 appear to be A1 tags re-stamped for use on A3 type TwinSonics

TwinSonic series A3. 1979-1984 skeletonized rotators, Series 3 motors

Series A3 were also available with GE H7600 quartz halogen 37.5 watt lamps, model designation “Q” was placed at the end of the standard model designation. eg. 12SXQ.

Series 1 motors used through 1977.

Series 2 motor introduced at end of 1973, intermingled use with Series 1 motors through 1977.

Series 3 motor use starts during Jan. 1977, Series 2 motors phased out.

Model 12E with flashing lights used metal stationary lamp holders through 1978.

Model 12E with flashing lights switched to ABS plastic lamp holders in 1979.

The last Twinsonic was shipped from Federal on Aug. 19, 1984 to a Nebraska fire dept. Over 70,000 total production of the TwinSonic series.

200 green Twinsonic domes were made in 1980 for a distributor who sold them to a security company (Securitas, Inc.) for their red-blue 12X's after a state law change that required green on private security vehicles. The last of these domes were installed in 1982 .



Aerodynic series:

1977-1978 metal stationary lamp holders.

1979- ABS plastic stationary lamp holders.

All AeroTwinsonics and synchronized rotator Aerodynics used the Series 3 motor.



22(H) Mini-Aerodynic 1982-1992*

22i Mini-Aerodynic 1989-2013

22ADX Solaris LED 2005*-2014



Mirrors guarding the center section only on alley light models- reflects light so that flashes are visible on the ends of the bar.

24 Aerodynic 1977-1993*

24C/CA California 1977-1980*

24 Aero-Twinsonic 1982-1993*

24 RMVF 1985*-1992*

24 RMVF-2Z 1988-1992*

24 RMC 1993 Only sold to San Bernardino, CA PD

24 Aero-Twin all-light 1989-1993*

24 RQL- independent 1989-2013

25 All light 1984-1993*

25RWL-all light 1980-1993*

25RWL-I independent 1989-2013

AD-4800/5200 1990*-2013 Independent rotators with speaker section

ADL-all light, independent 1992*-2013

ADX Solaris LED Versions 2005*-2014



Jet series:

Jetsonic JS-1 1983-1987*

Jetsonic JET 1987*-2000*

Jetstream 1989-2012

Jeststrobe 1992*-2010

Jetstream LED 2007 -2014

Jetsolaris LED 2005*-



Streethawk 2/1986-2009

Streethawk all-light 1993-2009

Firehawk 1993-2006

Street/Firehawk 80 inch 1997-2006



Vista 1998*-



Vector 1990*-



121 Vitalite Series A1 1962- ?

121 Vitalite Series A2 ? - 1975

121 Vitalite Series B1 1976-1998*



FB-F Flashball 1960-1982*

FB1/2 Series x ; x=1 for 6 VDC, X=2 for 12 VDC.

FB-1/2 Fireball Series xA10 8/1956-1957 1507 pre-focused bulb, wire clip to close dome band, no security mounting clip on FB-1.

FB-1/2 Fireball Series xB10 1957 introduces screw retained dome band

FB-1/2 Fireball Series xA12 1958- ? introduces security mounting clip for FB-1, anti- vibration plate under rotating assembly.

FB-1/2 Fireball Series xA12B1 ?- ? Deleted anti-vibration plate, later production changed to a black cigar plug on FB-1.

FB-1/2 Fireball Series xB12 ? -1975 introduces 1195 bulb socket

FB-2M Fireball Extentible motorcycle pole mount

FB-11/12 Series A1 1976-1978 Named “Fireball 2”

FB(H)-11/12 Series A2 1978-1991 H1 bulb version named “Super Fireball”



FB-2 Fireball II 1982-

16 1982*-1988*
_______________________________________________________


Public Safety Products:

* = approximate date

Code 3

SD2000/1100 1976-1991

XL9000/4500 1979-1994

Quick change lamp holders introduced in 1979. All XL models had the quick change holders, SD models starting in November, 1979, but some SD retain old style through the end of 1979.



Force 4

SD4200 1982-1991*

SD4100 1982-2003*

XL5000 1982*-2012

XL5100 1982*-

XL9000 XL5000 with 3-bulb outboard rotators

LP 1985*-

MX 1989-

Independent halogen rotator SD4100 and XL5100 models and LP were marketed as Code 3 until approximately 1986 when the Force 4 name was applied to halogen rotator models.

_____________________________________________________



Signal-Stat:

Signal-Stat was purchased by Truck-Lite in 2003

*= approximate date

330 rebadged Federal 14-SB

331 rebadged Federal 100

332 rebadged Federal Highlighter

335 rebadged Federal 17 1960's

338 rebadged Federal 14-A2 1964*-1967*

340 rebadged Federal FB-1/2 1960's

339 rebadged Federal 184-A2 1964*-1967*

340 rebadged Federal 184-A4 1980's

360 rebadged Federal FB3

9682 rebadged Federal Streethawk 47 inch

9683 rebadged Federal Streethawk 52 inch

350 2-bulb beacon 1983*-2003*

370 2-bulb beacon 1968*-1980*

374 4-bulb beacon 1968*-1980*

375W 4-bulb beacon 1970*-1980* 1 bulb up 15*, opposite down 15*

377 4-bulb beacon 1970*-1980* 1 bulb down 15*, 1972-79 known dates

381 teardrop rotating 1970-

384 teardrop flashing 1970-

Dual-Comm 9580 1975*-1982*

Dual-Comm 9670 1983-1990* W3-83 bars use model 370 rotators.

Dual-Comm 9690 (Dietz 911)1990-2003

309 (Dietz 7-430 strobe) 1990-2003

311 (Dietz 7-11 standard) 1990-2003

312 (Dietz 7-40) 1990-2003

______________________________________________________

Smith & Wesson:

* = approximate date

Economaster 1979*-

L-20A 1968*-

______________________________________________________



Whelen Engineering:

* = approximate date

6000 strobe bar 1973*-1978

Model 80 1978-1983*

Model 90 -dbl sided rotators

Model 8000 (strobe mdl 80) 1978-1993*

Model 9000 Edge 1983-

1200 1966*-1985*

2300 1966*-1985*

Corporal ? - 1977

Responder 1977-?

RB-11 1954-1992

44 1970*-

88 series beacons 1966-1978

5000 1974-

5200 1978-1993*

99 series beacons 1978-1989 available only as a special order 1990 and 1991.

RB6S 1991*-2000 twin sealed beam RB6

RB6D later RB6T 1991*- dual facing cone reflector, 1 halogen bulb

RB6P 1991*- single sided parabolic reflector, 1 halogen bulb

____________________________________________________


Unity:

* = approximate date

RV-15 single PAR-36 1965-2014*

RV-25 dual PAR-36 1965-2014*

RV-26 dual PAR-46 1965-

RV-45 quad PAR-36 1965-

RV-46 quad PAR-46 1965-

_______________________________________________________



Yankee

* = approximate date

350 1970*-1985*

353 1970*-1985*

354 1970*-1985*


_______________________________________________________
 

CHIEFOPS

Member
Jan 24, 2011
1,532
NYC
If the lightbar mounted on Squad 51 is a CTS you need to reconsider your date of introduction of 1973- the pilot episode was filmed in the fall of 1971.

Federal Vision/Premium Vision lightbars went into service with the NYPD in 1992 mounted on model year 1991 Chev Caprices.
 
Last edited:
May 28, 2010
118
Loveland, Ohio
From what I can tell there were at least 3 Whiting Lights:
1-Rare model that has 4 lights extended on small arms, with a center "bullet" style motor...extremely rare.
2-The more common, known pie plate style, 4 bulbs, essentially a 1 piece round light.
3-A 2 bulb version for chief cars, 2 horizontal red lights-Par 36 or possibly smaller.
I have the first two, have never seen the chief car version other than in print-in a post card that Homer Whiting sent out.
Take care-
Billy G
 

Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
If anyone lives in California and can access a library. The "California Department of the California Highway Patrol " published a book in 1973 called "Twinsonic Light Study" It can be found at the following library:

San Diego State University
University of California, LA
California State Library, Sacramento
University of California, Santa Barbara
Stanford University Libraries
UC Berkley Libraries
University of California, Richmond, Northern Regional Library

Might have some interesting information and history in it.
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Thanks for the continued replies. I'll update the list when I get a chance.

Billy I've seen photos and read descriptions of the Whiting light, but never seen one in person or seen a video.

My understanding is that the lights flash in rotation giving an appearance something like the rotoray, but there are no actual moving parts. Is that correct or does it actually spin like the rotoray?
 
May 21, 2010
418
Western Montana
From what I can tell there were at least 3 Whiting Lights:
1-Rare model that has 4 lights extended on small arms, with a center "bullet" style motor...extremely rare.
2-The more common, known pie plate style, 4 bulbs, essentially a 1 piece round light.
3-A 2 bulb version for chief cars, 2 horizontal red lights-Par 36 or possibly smaller.
I have the first two, have never seen the chief car version other than in print-in a post card that Homer Whiting sent out.
Take care-
Billy G

I found this doing a casual search (http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/firedept/whiting_light.htm) and if I recall correctly, J.D. had the number 2 version mentioned above in one of his display cabinets. Here's another link to a lot of vintage eye candy (https://www.pinterest.com/snape123/ready-aim-fire/).
 

badge22

Member
Aug 14, 2010
934
MI, United States
Green Twinsonic domes were also used by Private Police / Security Police Agencies in MI.
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Sorry for my lack of updates, 2017 and much of 2018 have been extraordinarily hectic. Life seems to be mellowing out as we roll into 2019.

I'm locked of of editing, but have sent a message to the admins to see about unlocking that for me. Nice to see there has been continued interest.
 

Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Apparently due to the length of time since my last update, only mods can edit the first post, Tony P has agreed to make the updates for me. I am going through all the posts since the last update and will forward them to Tony for posting when I have completed them.
 
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Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
I have a couple of updates for the Sireno timelines.
Mechanical Sirens
SirenO - 1907
SirenO Junior - 1909
SirenO Midget - 1910
Sireno Cyclephone - 1910 (for motorcycles)
Sireno No. 3 - 1911
Sireno No. 5- 1911
Sireno No. 7 - 1922
Sireno No. 11- 1922
Sireno M1 - 1936
Type ED - 1936
Type ED-1 - 1936
Type 51 - 1936
No. 94 - For Higgins PT Boat - 1942
Sireno R1 - 1946
Sireno R2 - 1946
Sireno R3 - 1946
Sireno R4 - 1946
Sireno R5 - 1946
Sireno R5R - 1946
Sireno ED-2 - 1946
Sireno Ford-F1 - 1951
Atomic Rocket No. Rj-1-8 - 1957
Atomic Rocket No. Sj-8 - 1957
Atomic Rocket ED-12 - 1957
RJ-1-8 About 1966


Lights
Saf-T-Ray No. 19 1951
Saf-T-Ray NO. 37N - 1951
Sireno No. 192 - Revolvo Ray - 1954
Sireno Model 199 Sky-LIghter - 1958
Sireno N. 194 - Revolvo Ray - Atomic Rocket series - 1957
1966 - launches electronic sirens and speakers
Sireno Revolvo Ray Speaker Light - 1968
Sireno Sky-Lighter Speaker Light - 1968
Sireno Gyro Ray Speaker Light - 1968
Sireno 44660 - 1976
 
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Aaron W

Member
Dec 3, 2014
77
Northern California
Thanks to Tony for updating the list in the first post for me.

I created a new section to separate light bars from beacons and other lights.


There is info posted that I didn't include in the update to Tony. In a few cases people have provided very in depth information that I feel is a bit to esoteric to include in a general listing (primarily the stuff where you would have to check the serial numbers to ID which variant).

This is not to discourage people from providing this level of input, it is still in the body of the thread for those looking for more detail and I find it interesting. There is a lot of good discussion in the thread that there would be no way to capture in a list.


If I've missed something or made an error please feel free to point it out. When pulling info from the posts it is easy to skip a line or transpose numbers.



I've identified some holes

Need better dates for the Whelen Cross bar and Unity Unirack.
There is a pile of 1930s-40s sirens needing better dates.


Dietz - Nothing for the fixed Dietz Par 36 / 46 lights (9-51 etc and clones) which were a staple of emergency lighting for decades.

Unity - Like Dietz many of their fixed and swivel lights were staples of emergency vehicle lighting.

I see I missed a few Unity beacons from standsdds post, or maybe he added more info after I went through his list. I will include those in the next update.

Power Arc - An interesting evolutionary combination of the fixed light and beacon. Not a big player but would be nice to include them.

Perimeter lighting - Flush mount lights are missing in general

Electronic sirens - Other than Federal electronic sirens, the only non-Federal entries are a date that SirenO probably began to offer electronic sirens, and one for the GE power call. I know Federal is the big dog here, but surely somebody has some info on Code 3, and Whelen?

Electronic siren speakers - No listings at all for siren speakers.

Traffic busters - Wig-wag, M & figure 8 lights other than the "Light from Mars"- There are a couple of contemporaries, but none of the later models, Ocilaser, Meteor, Crossfire etc.

Traffic advisers - Nothing on directional traffic bars.
 

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